Three-day music fest opens Friday

The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Blue Oyster Cult, play Saturday

September 29, 2012

Tickets are on sale for the inaugural Rhythm and Reels Redfish Tournament and Music Festival, a three-day entertainment extravaganza.

The event runs Oct. 5-7 at The Resort at MarinaVillage and Tarpon Point Marina. It will be centered around the fishing tournament but features a range of acts over the three days, from national headliners to local dance groups.

"We wanted to bring something unique to the area," Michelle Phillips, marketing and special events manager at the Cape Coral resort, said.

The festival kicks off Oct. 5, with the gates opening at 4 p.m. Local bands SoapBox and Certified will open for Pine Island-based Deb & the Dynamics.

Phillips explained that the night's headliner, Deb & the Dynamics, had previously played at MarinaVillage during The Sounds of Jazz and Blues.

"They performed here back in March," she said. "They were definitely someone who received rave reviews and we're happy to bring them back."

The performances are scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m.

General admission tickets cost $5 in advance and day of.

Phillips added that 94.5 The ARROW will broadcast live from the festival grounds from 4 to 6 p.m., and anglers can still register that evening.

On Saturday, the gates open at 2 p.m. The opening act, PUSH, will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by national performers The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Blue Oyster Cult. They go on at 7:15 p.m. then 8:30 p.m., respectively.

"It's just been a really great combination," she said, explaining that The Fabulous Thunderbirds and Blue Oyster Cult have toured together.

With the different age groups expected to attend Oct. 6, organizers think the partnership will cover the spectrum. According to Phillips, the two bands have a classic folk following, while some songs are included on Guitar Hero.

"A lot of the kids also recognize some of their classic hits," she said.

Hits include "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Burnin' for You" and "Tuff Enuff."

Amy Lynn, with 95.3 The River, is scheduled to emcee the concert.

Tickets for the daylong festival are $20 in advance and $25 day of for general admission. VIP admission are $75 in advance and $95 day of.

"VIP has a specified area that will be gated in, closer to the stage," Phillips said. "In the VIP tent there's actual seating. Some of it is under a tent."

Included in the VIP admission cost is a cash bar and buffet dinner, served from 7 to 9 p.m. The dishes are from restaurant Marker 92 and will consist of a variety of pickings, from grouper to New York strip to steamed clams.

Sunday's entertainment will run from noon to 4 p.m. The lineup will include lesser known performers, like local dance troupes and an afternoon deejay.

"We do have an official military flyover planned," she said.

The theme Oct. 7 is a "Tribute to Veterans Day." Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for The Invest in America's Veterans Foundation.

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit the foundation.

"We had been talking with a lot of other non-profits," Phillips said, adding that organizers then met with the Cape veterans group and were sold.

"We felt they were passionate, and it really piqued our interest," she said. "We wanted to help them in any way we could."

Over the weekend, a raffle will also be held with all proceeds going to the foundation. Prizes include two-night stays at the Diamondhead Beach Resort, restaurant gift certificates, signed sports memorabilia and sports tickets.

People can bring chairs and blankets, but not coolers or tents.

"We'll have a bunch of kid's activities provided by Bass Pro Shop," Phillips said. "We'll have vendors with items for sale - food and alcohol, drinks."

For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, drop by the front desk at The Resort at MarinaVillage or visit: www.rhythmandreels.com.

The Redfish Tournament is a two-day non-elimination tournament with multiple cash prizes, including a grand prize of $8,000. There are prizes for first place through fifth place, along with a prize for a "wildcard fish."

The cost to register is $550. Up to three anglers per boat are permitted.